5 FEBRUARY 1887, Page 23

The Nine of Hearts. By B. L. Farjeon. (Ward and

Lock.) —Mr. Farjeon has constructed here a clever tale of circumstantial evidence, showing how a twist may be given to it by a malicious purpose, and how the truth may be brought out by ingenuity and energy working in the right direction. When the evidence against Edward, "for the wilful murder of his wife, Agues Layton, on the morning of the 26th of March, by the administration of poisonous narcotic's," is brought to an end, we cannot see a loophole of escape. Yet the loophole is pro- vided in due time, and we recognise its possibility. But Edward Layton, who was willing to go to the scaffold sooner than disturb the peace of mind of the lady whom he loved, was such a lover as one does not meet every day.